Judd Apatow thinks there should be a comedy category at the Oscars; what do you think?

A few days ago, Judd Apatow tweeted this message out to his 365,000+ followers: “Since comedies are rarely up for Oscars it does make sense to have a comedy category. It would just add more fun categories.”

It set off a bit of lively discussion, which then followed him to a Los Angeles Times screening event for Bridesmaids, where he was asked to expand on his tweet.

“There should be a comedy category at the Oscars, because—why not?” Apatow explained, adding, “It’s been like five times in a zillion years they [a comedy] won for best picture, then it doesn’t seem like it’s screwing up Schindler’s List for Hangover to have its own category. I mean, it didn’t mess up the animation people to do it [an animation category was added in 2001]. And then we can kind of get rid of the Key Grip category. I love the Key Grips; they do a fantastic job. But in hour four, I’d rather watch Zach Galifianakis come up than my friend Curtis.”

When Nicole Sperling of the Times asked Apatow if he felt there was a bias against comedies within the Academy, he responded honestly.

“Comedy is easy to do. Seriousness is hard,” Apatow said sarcastically. “I so wish we can not have jokes in these movies. I would have so much less to do if all it was, was characters in conflict— and never go, ‘how come we’re not getting the laughs?’ That’s what takes up all the time. I think Lawrence of Arabia was really easy to make— because there were no laughs. Was it hard? I don’t think so.”

So, Laughspinners: What’s your take on this? Should there be a comedy category at the Oscars? Sound off in the comments section.

About the Author

Dylan P. Gadino

Dylan is the founder and editor in chief of Laughspin. He launched Punchline Magazine in 2005 (which became Laughspin in the summer of 2011) with childhood friend Bill Bergmann. Dylan lives in northern New Jersey with his wife and two sons. He hopes the Shire is real.

I’ve always thought comedies should have their own Oscar category! Go Judd!!!!

Ray P

I’ve always thought comedies should have their own Oscar category! Go Judd!!!!

Ray P

I’ve always thought comedies should have their own Oscar category! Go Judd!!!!

Danielle

Absolutely should be! I mean, looking back on this year at movies like Bridesmaids or Crazy, Stupid, Love and yeah… I would really love to see a category. It would help boost the ratings, too. I’d love to see some comedians and directors (sure, I might be biased as I’m a big Apatow fan) get the nod that they, too, deserve.

Comedies can have heart, too, and I think that’s something that directors like Apatow have proven on numerous occasions.

Anonymous

I think the folks who make comedies are already too lazy when it comes to also trying to make great movies (i.e., with solid plots, fleshed-out characters who have meaningful arcs, and in a universe that is realistic and whole). I’m sure there is a bit of a bias against comedies at the Oscars, but a big part of that is probably due to the fact that there are very few Oscar-worthy comedies made. Are there really 5-10 comedies each year that are also great movies? I struggle to think of 1 or 2 from a given year, never mind 5.

Comedy filmmakers should try harder to make truly solid films that are also funny. If a comedy category at the Oscars would encourage that, then I guess it could be worthwhile. But I’m not sure that would be the case.

http://twitter.com/JoshKEvans JKE

A comedy Oscar category would encourage better comedies, though it would have a relatively small effect on big-budget films. The indie comedy film scene would benefit the most, since an Oscar (and even a nomination) would bring significantly more profit for the creators and thus encourage more quality for that scene.

Dramedies should be allowed to compete for a comedy Oscar. They have also been neglected. An example of a great dramedy is ‘The Darjeeling Limited’.

http://twitter.com/JoshKEvans JKE

A comedy Oscar category would encourage better comedies, though it would have a relatively small effect on big-budget films. The indie comedy film scene would benefit the most, since an Oscar (and even a nomination) would bring significantly more profit for the creators and thus encourage more quality for that scene.

Dramedies should be allowed to compete for a comedy Oscar. They have also been neglected. An example of a great dramedy is ‘The Darjeeling Limited’.

http://twitter.com/JoshKEvans JKE

A comedy Oscar category would encourage better comedies, though it would have a relatively small effect on big-budget films. The indie comedy film scene would benefit the most, since an Oscar (and even a nomination) would bring significantly more profit for the creators and thus encourage more quality for that scene.

Dramedies should be allowed to compete for a comedy Oscar. They have also been neglected. An example of a great dramedy is ‘The Darjeeling Limited’.

http://twitter.com/JoshKEvans JKE

A comedy Oscar category would encourage better comedies, though it would have a relatively small effect on big-budget films. The indie comedy film scene would benefit the most, since an Oscar (and even a nomination) would bring significantly more profit for the creators and thus encourage more quality for that scene.

Dramedies should be allowed to compete for a comedy Oscar. They have also been neglected. An example of a great dramedy is ‘The Darjeeling Limited’.

http://twitter.com/ekimnamwen mike n

it’s a great idea as long as there are enough good comedies to nominate. sadly, most comedies these days cater to the lowest common denominator with hacks like will ferrell, kevin james, and adam sandler dominating the scene.

http://twitter.com/cecilyquintana cecilyquintana

I completely agree! I have thought they should add a comedy category for years. Great comedic acting is as on par with great dramatic acting but they are two totally different beasts but equally as difficult to master. The great comedic actors over the years have been sadly overlooked by the academy. Add the comedy categories, if nothing else it will help the dwindling ratings!

http://twitter.com/cecilyquintana cecilyquintana

I completely agree! I have thought they should add a comedy category for years. Great comedic acting is as on par with great dramatic acting but they are two totally different beasts but equally as difficult to master. The great comedic actors over the years have been sadly overlooked by the academy. Add the comedy categories, if nothing else it will help the dwindling ratings!